Good Morning Eardley Community,
I hope this email finds you enjoying the sun and staying warm. I apologize for sending a communication over the weekend; however, we have had an update provided to us from Public Health about protocol to follow if and when a student or staff member exhibits Covid-19 symptoms. Please read the important information attached and below carefully, as our process has changed.
- COVID-19
Update on Protocol:
- Please see the attached updated documents on our new protocol for Covid-19 symptoms.
- What’s new?
- No longer a 24 hour observation period. Symptoms are broken up into two categories. Rapid testing is in place. If a student presents with ONE symptom from the first category, they are directed to get a test. The student cannot return to school unless they prove a negative test OR isolate for the prescribed 10 days. If a student presents with TWO symptoms from the second category, they are directed to get a test. The student cannot return to school unless they prove a negative test OR isolate for the prescribed 10 days.
- The sibling or siblings are now recommended to go home as well when a student is placed in isolation for exhibiting symptoms.
Scenario #1:
Does your child have ANY of the following symptoms? (If a child presents with ONE symptom below, immediately isolated; parent/guardian calls Public Health and are directed to get a test. If you do not want to get your child tested, you can isolate for 10 days).
- Fever (oral temperature 38.1°C (100.6°F) or higher)
- Sudden loss of sense of smell (anosmia) without nasal congestion, with or without loss of taste
- Recent cough or worsening of a chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion (of unknown cause)
Scenario #2:
Does your child have any 2 of the following symptoms? (If a child presents with TWO symptoms below, immediately isolated; parent/guardian calls Public Health and are directed to get a test. If you do not want to get your child tested, you can isolate for 10 days).
- Stomach ache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Major fatigue
- Significant loss of appetite
- Generalized muscle pain (not related to physical exertion)
- Headaches
The Attestation for Return must be handed in to both Stephanie Lelievre and Samantha Halpin. Proof of a negative Covid-19 Test or communication of the 10 day isolation period must occur before the child’s return to school. The proof and Attestation can be emailed to Stephanie Lelievre and Samantha Halpin (sLelievre@wqsb.qc.ca & shalpin@wqsb.qc.ca)
*Regardless if a child presents with ANY single symptom, they are isolated and sent home and the parent/guardian is directed to call Public Health (1-877-644-4545). A child should not be coming to school sick.*
The Quebec Covid-19 Self-Assessment Tool is an excellent resource – https://covid19.quebec.ca/surveys/cdd2/introduction?language=en-ca
The above information and protocol is the same for any adult or staff member.
Please note that this change has come into effect for all schools across the province of Quebec and this is a direct instruction from Public Health. The school or school board does not have any flexibility or leeway in the above protocols. As always, we will assess the student and the situation at hand; however, our main priority is the safety and security of our staff and students.
I am available to discuss further should you have any questions or concerns.
Please enjoy this sunny day and stay safe.
Samantha Halpin